'Our evidence reveals the persistent poverty which blights disabled people's lives. We need the main UK political parties to commit to ensuring support for disabled people and their families.'

Commenting, Mark said:

'I welcome the Tackling Disability Poverty Manifesto recommendations and hope they will influence all UK political parties as we approach the next general election and the 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.'

'Tackling Disability Poverty' calls for disability poverty to be measured - and for a cross-government campaign to raise awareness of disability benefits. Stephen Burke, Counsel and Care Chief Executive, says:

'We believe it is vital to support disabled people, especially older disabled people, to access entitlements. Over £5 billion is currently not claimed by older people which could tackle poverty .'

The manifesto also highlights routes out of poverty which, if followed, could be worth over £40 billion in savings to the Government.